Lufthansa’s Punitive Economy Light Seat Assignment Policy

By: Ben Schlappig

Updated: July 23, 2026
Published: August 6, 2024

45 comments

The Lufthansa Group’s Economy Light fares on long haul flights are getting even more punitive, so this is definitely something to be aware of if booking one of these tickets…

In this post:

Lufthansa’s Economy Light seat amendment fee

Lufthansa’s Economy Light fares don’t include seat assignments in advance. Up until mid-2022, it was possible to select a seat of your choice (from the remaining unoccupied ones) at the time of check-in when booking these fares. As Lufthansa described the policy at the time:

Of course, all the remaining seats can still be selected free of charge once check-in for the relevant flight begins, usually from 23 hours before departure. Please note that, in this case, the selection can in some circumstances be limited.

However, this policy has evolved considerably over time:

As of June 1, 2022, Lufthansa began assigning seats at the time of check-in when traveling on Economy Light fares on short haul flights; if you don’t like the seat that you’re allocated, you have to pay a seat amendment fee that starts at EUR 25/CHF 35/USD
Up until now, this same policy hasn’t applied to long haul flights, but that’s changing as of August 13, 2024; as of that date, you’ll have to pay to change your Economy Light seat assignment on long haul flights as well, as flagged by Travel Dealz
This same policy will apply for other Lufthansa Group carriers, including Austrian and SWISS

So yeah, for those who value sitting together or being able to choose their seat, this is definitely something to keep in mind if you’re considering booking an Economy Light fare, since the cost of assigning seats could quickly add up.

Lufthansa’s Economy Light seat assignment policy is punitive

What are Lufthansa’s Economy Light fares?

Economy Light is Lufthansa’s version of the basic economy fares that we have with the major legacy carriers in the United States. Lufthansa’s Economy Light fares:

Do include a carry-on, the standard food & beverage offerings in economy, and the ability to earn miles and status credits
Don’t include seat assignments in advance or refunds; for a fee you can book advance seat assignments and get a checked bag

Suffice it to say that many people may have been happy to book these fares when they could at least select a seat at check-in. However, I imagine the economics change if you have to spend a minimum of €50 for roundtrip seat assignments.

You’ll have to pay up for Economy Light seat changes

Bottom line

Lufthansa’s Economy Light fares are continuing to become more restrictive. As of August 13, 2024, Economy Light passengers on long haul flights will have to pay if they don’t like the seat that they’re assigned at check-in. This matches the policy that Lufthansa added on short haul flights roughly two years ago.

Obviously Lufthansa is doing everything it can to generate ancillary revenue, as airlines are dealing with yield issues, due to increases in capacity. For some, I’m sure this will change the value proposition of Lufthansa’s Economy Light fares.

What do you make of Lufthansa’s Economy Light seating policy change?

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Alex Guest

August 6, 2024, 11:22 pm

You all seem to forget one thing: you get what you pay for! Don't buy Economy Light and you won't face this problem. Lufthansa provides plenty of other fares. And to those of you who cannot stop themselves bashing Lufthansa's Business Class: this post was about Economy Light. You all remind me of Pavlov's dogs!

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Jen Hummel Guest

August 6, 2024, 6:40 pm

Lufthansa Business Class is so absolutely miserable, I can’t even fathom Economy Light.

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rrapynot Guest

August 6, 2024, 4:26 pm

If I booked a ticket 2 months ago for travel in February 2025, will the rules that were in effect when I purchased my ticket apply or the rules in effect in the day I fly?

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PTO Guest

August 6, 2024, 2:50 pm

Air Canada tried something similar a few months back but quickly retreated citing “operational issues” after a fast and fierce backlash. In the meantime the ability to see the specific seat selection prices on their seat map, visible in the early stage of an AC booking, has conveniently disappeared, so now even that minimal level of up-front price disclosure has gone. Now you only get to see that pricing once they have your credit card. On a recent YYZ-MAD booking, the seat selection cost on a Basic Fare was still visible (ideal if only carry-on bag or free checked bag with credit card perk) and C$92.50 each way. That adds almost C$400 to a round trip booking for 2 people and more if connecting flights are involved. That’s $400 better spent on a nicer hotel or meals at the destination, considering that any AC seat will be just as cramped and uncomfortable as the the same seat they want you to pay C$92.50 for (while also insisting that it is not guaranteed anyway). The motivation seems to be to have fares appearing more competitive in search engines such as Google Flights. In the past the seat selection fee was much lower but now it has become such an expensive add-on I imagine AC etc have noticed that too many people are booking Basic Fares with zero incremental revenue, hence the threat of punitive pricing by Lufthansa (and maybe AC too). That must present quite a dilemma as simply restricting the number of Basic Fare seats could lead to empty ones at departure. The good news (as of a few months ago) was that on check-in for Swiss / AC flights the pre-selected seats were what we would have picked anyway or we were able to change at no cost. Good article and valuable information for all air travelers.

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Samo Guest

August 6, 2024, 2:25 pm

I pity the people who must fly Lufthansa Group due to their monopoly (soon to be expanded, courtesy of European Commission). I'd rather fly United and that's something.

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